Patents by Inventor William G. Thomas, Jr.

William G. Thomas, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6578675
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering advertising messages to occupants of an elevator cab includes a network mainframe server located remotely from the elevator cab. The apparatus further includes an individual processing unit (IPU) located at the elevator cab and in communication with the network mainframe server over a telephone line configured for transmitting a digital data signal. The IPU includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a monitor electrically connected to the CPU. In a particular embodiment, the IPU further includes an infrared camera for detecting the number of occupants in the elevator cab when an advertising message is displayed. The network mainframe server transmits the advertising messages to the CPU of the IPU over the telephone line. The advertising messages are stored on the CPU and displayed to the occupants of the elevator cab on the monitor of the IPU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Elevator Channel, LLC, The
    Inventors: Thomas Wilson, William G. Thomas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4937997
    Abstract: An open web metal structural beam for use in building construction has a generally Z-shaped transverse cross section and is capable of being nested and joined in a lapped position with like beam members. The beam has a top chord defined by an elongate longitudinal angle having an L-shaped transverse cross section, a bottom chord member defined by an elongate longitudinal angle having an L-shaped transverse cross section. The top and bottom chords are secured by an open web member in vertically opposed relation with the vertical leg portions of the L-shapes aligned vertically and horizontal leg portions of the L-shapes in laterally opposed relation and the laterally opposed longitudinal edges of the horizontal leg portions of the L-shapes are bent to form vertically opposed longitudinally extending stiffener lips on the chord members. One or more metal angle members welded vertically between the vertical legs of L-shaped chord members on the side opposite the web increase the rigidity of the structural beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Inventors: William G. Thomas, Jr., John C. Gussett, Clarke H. Stevenson